Georges River Council today unveiled its Summer Events Program, encompassing three free annual events which attract tens of thousands of visitors from all over Sydney.
The popular Magic of Christmas, the Australia Day Festival and Lunar New Year Festival are all returning.
Georges River Council Mayor Kevin Greene said the three events offer a range of experiences which mirror the diversity of the local government area.
“I am proud to launch Council’s Summer Events program, which showcases the
unique and colourful characteristics of the Georges River area, and celebrates the
cultural mix that makes our area so unique,” Councillor Greene said.
“The program has been designed to bring people from across the city together to have fun and relax, and I encourage families and friends to come along and make the most of the summer events season.”
The Major Events Advisory Committee Chair, Councillor Vince Badalati, explained the importance of hosting events which support the cultural identity of the Georges River area.
“We are committed to hosting premier events that not only bring members of the community together, but are a reflection of everything that makes the Georges River area such a fantastic place to live, work and play,” Councillor Badalati said.
“We recognise the significant role local events play in fostering unity within the community and our events have been designed to be inclusive for people of all ages, diverse backgrounds as well as for people living with disability.
Summer Events program
Magic of Christmas, Saturday, December 1.
The Summer Events Program will kick off with the Magic of Christmas event, which attracted 5,000 visitors last year and is set to be a hit again this year with Christmas- themed gift stalls, special performances, great food and a spectacular fireworks display.
Colin Buchanan, ABC TV Play School presenter, winner of ARIA and Golden Guitar awards and creator of the Bucko & Champs hit, ‘Aussie Jingle Bells’ will headline the night’s entertainment.
Singer Tim Moxey, from The Voice and X Factor, will feature, and musical theatre group, SMT, will perform some classic, much-loved songs from Miracle on 34th Street.
The Grinch and Rudolph will also make an appearance, and Santa will be available to take free photos with children on the sandy shores of the bay.
Magic of Christmas is supported by Major Sponsor Club Central and Event Supporter Club Rivers.
- Date: Saturday, December 1.
- Time: 3.00pm, fireworks at 8.35pm
- Where: Carss Bush Park, Carwar Avenue, Carss Park
- Cost: Free
Australia Day Festival - Saturday January 26, 2019
The Australia Day Festival has attracted large crowds for over 25 years, with its entertainment program showcasing great live music, diverse cultural performances, entertainers and market stallholders.
An estimated 20,000 people visited the event in 2018 and the 2019 event is anticipated to be just as popular, with Justice Crew and the Farnham and Friends Tribute Show headlining the event.
The festival will also feature a Citizenship Ceremony, shows from community performers and Peter Rabbit, and will end with a colourful fireworks display.
- Date: Saturday, January 26, 2019
- Time: Entertainment from 12.30pm - 9.00pm, Citizenship Ceremony from 10.00am -
- 12.00pm, fireworks at 9.00pm
- Where: Carss Bush Park, Carss Park
- Cost: Free
Lunar New Year Festival - Saturday, February 2, 2019
The Lunar New Year Festival attracted 50,000 people last year, in a celebration of Sydney’s cultural diversity. The lively festival is a feast for the senses, and a place where visitors can immerse themselves in local culture and customs.
Forest Road in Hurstville will come alive with a vibrant street parade featuring colourful street floats and Chinese fire crackers, to ring in The Year of the Pig.
Visitors can soak up the festival atmosphere as they enjoy live entertainment, cultural performances, and sample the delicious food on offer at the many hawker stalls.
The festival will also feature giveaways and headline act, Singer Wah Dee, winner
of the "Jacky Cheung Look-a-like" contest on Beijing TV.
- Date: Saturday, February 2, 2019
- Time: 10.00am - 4.00pm (street parade is at 10.00am)
- Where: Forest Road, Hurstville
- Cost: Free
For more information about Council’s Summer Events Program, visit georgesriver.nsw.gov.au or call 9330 6400.